By Kavita Mistry 
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Haryana constable Pankaj Yadav returned Rs 11.11 lakh and jewellery at his wedding, accepting just a token amount, sending a powerful message against dowry
Haryana constable Pankaj Yadav’s act in Jhajjar district sent a strong anti-dowry message, earning widespread praise. (News18)
A Haryana Police constable has taken an impressive step at his wedding, earning widespread praise. During his engagement, he returned the Rs 11 lakh given as dowry by his in-laws and accepted only Re 1 as shagun.
He also returned the gold and silver jewellery presented as dowry. The incident took place in Jhajjar district, Haryana.
A Strong Message Against Dowry
Jhajjar district continues to set examples of progressive thinking. The latest instance comes from Sulodha village, where Pankaj Yadav, a Haryana Police constable, sent a powerful message against the dowry system. Returning Rs 11,11,001 in cash along with approximately 15 tolas of gold and silver jewellery, Pankaj and his family accepted only one rupee from the bride’s side as shagun.
This social initiative has sparked widespread discussion in the village, with villagers commending Pankaj Yadav and his family for their principled stand.
The wedding procession moved to Rewari on November 18, where Pankaj married a young woman from the district.
A Statement From The Groom’s Family
The bride’s father, Vikram Yadav of Usmanpur, Rewari, had arrived in Sulodha with cash and jewellery as shagun, following tradition. However, Pankaj’s grandfather, Captain Amir Singh, and father, Dharamveer Yadav, returned the gifts, stating: “Marriage is a union of two families, not a bargain.”
Only a rupee was accepted as shagun, sending a clear message of social equality.
Pankaj’s Perspective
Pankaj Yadav stated that he had already refused dowry, emphasising that education and moral integrity should be prioritised, and evils like dowry eradicated. Currently undergoing training in Madhuban, Pankaj also highlighted his grandfather, Captain Mir Singh Yadav, as an inspiration.
His father, Dharamveer, added that while dowry is common in the Yadav community, they had decided not to accept it at all, underscoring that society includes both greedy and good people, and it is up to individuals to make the right choice.
Villagers Applaud The Bold Move
The initiative has been widely lauded by villagers, with many praising Pankaj Yadav’s courage, principles, and forward-thinking approach as a powerful message against the dowry system.
Jhajjar, India, India
November 19, 2025, 12:24 IST
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